The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Hello, & welcome to the #2PencilChat! Tonight we're talking about testing. Not the good
or bad of it, but how to survive &
thrive in a world testing
is mandated. Say, "Hey!" and
introduce yourself!
Happy spring, where we're currently getting snow & more to come tomorrow. I'm the one who teaches in the all male juvenile detention center in Maryland. #2PencilChat
We have Parent Teacher night starting at noon (in 2 hours) so we have a late start. Rushed to school to get onto my desk for this chat... also fed the animals. No new babies today. #2PencilChat
When in grad school my prof asked me to start an evening reading class at the male juvenile detention center 40 miles out of town. I loved the experience. #2PencilChat Carol here from Long Island
If you are a Maths or English teacher expect to be so busy you can't blink. As the IT teacher I'll meet maybe one parent but that's because he wants to tell me about what he thinks we should be teaching. #2PencilChat
Q1
Whether testing is helpful, a necessary evil, or putting way too many demands on teachers and
students, it's something we're expected to do. What are the ways that you keep things running smoothly in testing season?
#2PencilChat
A1 We don’t have testing, but to keep things running smoothly when there are lots of interruptions, we work on projects. That way students have something meaningful and sustained to return to. #2PencilChat
A!) During a test: Get everyone settled first. Don't start until all have equipment. Keep moving around. Dismiss interactions quickly. They know I am a different person as a test supervisor #2PencilChat
It impacted me. We had a chat with actors afterwards. All must have been low security but they all had stories that started somewhere we could relate and ended surrounded by big bluestone blocks #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A1 I try to make every day something to look forward to, right now I’m the camp guide for my campers and there’s a huge tent in my class!!! Bored kids won’t learn much.
A1: I tell my students that the tests are more about me, to make sure that I did my job and taught them what they need to know. @GoNoodle brain breaks and @Buncee motivational posters are in my tool belt as well. #2PencilChat
A1 for me, testing stress comes from not being comfortable with content. So have meaning learning experiences that deep dive to have a full understanding #2PencilChat
A1 Make the testing protocols visible to all students. Many of my ELs are not used to the these types of test so the procedures need to be clearly laid out for them. #2pencilchat
A1. I am a big believer in routine. Try to keep your class' everyday routine as much as possible. Also, Ss will feed off of your energy. So, keep yourself cool, calm and collected. Let your Ss see that you aren't worried. You're confident. Everything is just fine. #2PencilChat
Q1
Whether testing is helpful, a necessary evil, or putting way too many demands on teachers and
students, it's something we're expected to do. What are the ways that you keep things running smoothly in testing season?
#2PencilChat
Younger students struggle with test protocols. That thing about seeing me different is hard and takes time. they will ask for help and I have to dismiss it. Also need a plan for when they finish. i let them read a book #2PencilChat
A1) I tell them often that I believe in them, that I know they’re going to do great things, That this test, doesn’t define who they are as a learner and all they’ve accomplished & know #2pencilchat
Q2
In addition to being stressful for students, test days can also be mind numbingly dull. How do you prepare your students to make it through these days with confidence?
#2PencilChat
When I was the district director, I visited some classrooms with the principal to give a pep talk to the children, calm any nerves, and promote their success prior to the TEST! Many teachers allayed fears. #2PencilChat
At my level (Year 8) we have this great dichotomy. We know that in 4 years they will need to do exams that will determine their University place but we also know we are testing to see what they know and how we can help them. Feels strained #2PencilChat
A2: Give them something to look forward to. I implemented Teacher for the Day after testing last year. My Ss loved teaching us something that they were passionate about. We learned Karate, how to play ultimate frisbee, and a song to remember the names of bones. #2PencilChat
A2: Stamina is a critical testing taking strategy. I find that students misunderstand that questions are not in order of difficulty. Providing unit tests that regularly expose students to a broad variety of difficulty in random order can be very helpful #2pencilchat
A2 I have to give my ELs the ACCESS for ELLS assessment each year. We practice for each section of the exam using the practice tests. These prepare the Ss for the timing, process, and pacing of the test. #2pencilchat
A2 We can help students make dull moments interesting for themselves by using their imaginations. My friend‘s daughter was taking a test & one of the math problems was about a recipe for strawberry lemonade. That night they made the lemonade!
#2PencilChat
A2) At my level we try and do testing before lunch and then something fun after lunch. (Like a staff student soccer match (which is always rigged so the staff win) #2pencilchat
Snacks are crucial. I think that the #2PencilChat is doing a good job of establishing that food is an important part of school culture (as it is with any culture!).
A2. Omg... I hated testing days when I was at the elem. School because it was sooo boring. While Ss were testing, I would make sure to smile at them & give them thumbs up while testing. Then, At recess, I'd go outside and make sure to play with them.#2PencilChat
Thankfully for testing we go to the computer lab for 1.5 hours and then the rest of the day is back in the classroom for regular schedule. When I taught MS during the CST days, it was THE WORST. 3 hours of silent testing.
I'm not stressing about testing this year. #2pencilchat
Q2
In addition to being stressful for students, test days can also be mind numbingly dull. How do you prepare your students to make it through these days with confidence?
#2PencilChat
A2.We have become obsessed with testing and results.We are in danger of teaching to the test.Lets teach from the heart and not from the https://t.co/AqWSi9iHIu leads to lifelong learning #2pencilchat
#2PencilChat A2 how many hours on avg do we test????? Hard to rock those days, I teach my kids to reflect on good moments, experiences during difficult times. Like testing times.
I’m a big Harry Potter fan, I ask my students to think about a happy, warm memory & focus on it like they would in a pen-sieve, drown yourself in that happy memory, the smells, the sounds #2pencilchat
A2. We have STAR and finished gifted testing but no state- still testing is testing and just be encouraging and let them know they are doing great will all be over soon- give gum and after @GoNoodle#2PencilChat
A3: I believe that these students are equally affected by yoga and mindfulness strategies. I check in with them and simply remove the pressure. #2PencilChat
Craig from Pa - Q2 - I emphasize that all tests are just times during the year where we check for understanding. If you don’t have it yet, practice and try again. #2pencilchat
A3 Not an easy task. Getting them to the test is step one. Then during the test constantly checking in to make sure they are trying. Lots of encouragement and frequent checkins. #2pencilchat
A3) In these cases help set those students achievable goals. For example we have a Year 8 maths test on Friday. There is a Section A, B and C and Advanced each gradually harder.
I'd set student a goal on how they might score on Section A #2PencilChat
A3 I find that really difficult having spec ed students. The resources you teach them to use to be independent are not available for them during testing! Like charts, word walls etc. 😡 #2PencilChat
A3 - Again, it’s about options for students. While it’s impossible to do 30 different things, knowing their strengths can alleviate their stress. #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat Q3 reassure them we are looking for growth, try to help students know they won’t be left behind, I told them today I’m going to be there for them just like I always am. Tests suck but there are worse sucks out there! We’ll get this! 💯
Had a ESL Ss tell me today he is not smart bc he never passes EOG or Benchmarks. I told him, those don't determine if you are smart. Told him to build his character work ethic, and to try his hardest to improve the type of human being he becomes #2PencilChat
A3. I remember teaching Ss to draw pictures to go along with their written math answers. They could get points for that. I had a S who drew pictures on the English exam too. He was so proud of himself b/c he remembered the strategy. I told him I was proud of him. #2PencilChat
A3: Try to avoid focusing on the testing. The focus needs to be on the amazing, every-day teaching and learning that happens in the classroom. It’s all about helping our kids BELIEVE in themselves, their gifts and their potential...ALL CAN ACHIEVE! #2PencilChat
A3 It's so important to teach the strategies to slow down and get methodical when things are tough. A great life skill, too. I've seen kids nailing it by doing this. #2PencilChat
A3: Helping students see concrete growth is heavily dependent on quality data. If students are making gains, that should be visible. Standardized tests need to generate itemized data for teachers and students to reflect on #2pencilchat
A3 - Try looking at why this particular test is important. I like to focus on PBL assignments where students must reflect on their own learning. Then quiz after they have demonstrated mastery. #2pencilchat
Hey thanks my friend, it’s funny how many of them want to share their memorywhen testing for the day is done They’ll write about it, draw it all out or orally tell us #2PencilChat
We are in the same boat. My school switched to an adaptive test this year, and I think over time it will help. Rather than giving Ss grade level Qs, it gives them Qs at their level of ability and stretches them to see how much they've learned since last test. #2PencilChat
A3. As a person who is NOT a good test taker! I just encourage, give hugs and have dance parties after! Know how they feel and explain this and we establish a culture of success and failing enthusiastically together 💜
#2PencilChat
Yes. And if you are talking with EACH student constantly the focus has to be on their growth. Let them know that's the key thing you are looking for #2pencilchat
see now why aren't we making data out of that - that's so much better for knowing where they're at than sitting formal tests don't you think? #2PencilChat
A3 - Quality over quantity is also a key contributor to success. There is a tendency in much of education to cover tons of information. This leads to only the best and brightest getting through. The rest may get lost and give up. #2PencilChat
A3: growth mindset? I mean, how can you really prepare any students for the boring, meaninglessness that is standardized testing? I do tell my Ss that if they show any improvement on the test, that I will be SUPER happy. Since I teach 2/3, that goes beyond just SBAC. #2pencilchat
A2 Remind Ss that tests show what they've learned & it's okay if they don't know all the answers. I tell them that their work helps me plan what we'll do next- even state test results. We discuss growth mindset and that we learn from mistakes. #2pencilchat
Q4
During heavy testing weeks, what do you do with the rest of your time? Are you "business as
usual," are you one of the all afternoon recess teachers? Most of us, I'm sure, are somewhere in the middle. Where are you on this spectrum?
#2PencilChat
Yes! It is a bummer. He is very smart and loves to read (and game) but getting him engaged is hard because he has self doubt. Trying to fix this before Middle grades. :( #2PencilChat
Sneaking in for a moment.
I have found it is all about confidence. When I was in a testing grade, I pulled each student one by one to give them a pep talk before the bell and tell them why they rocked specifically. This helped a lot.
#2pencilchat
A4) Usually madly planning what is to happen after this. Or dealing with one of those things aI put off until now. Or chatting to folk on twitter. #2PencilChat
We just had a PD session yesterday with some Mt Airy folks on PBL. My team is really trying to incorporate it more often. Thank goodness. :) Well, I am sure we will cross paths again soon this year. #2PencilChat
This is the truth Dene! I love being outside. Much needed for all of us. We go out twice a day due to the need. Recess and an extra 10 mins after lunch
#2pencilchat
A4: I'll do a combo of the 2 this yr. I will def give my Ss a break after testing, but then I'll also do some actual teaching as well. Since I test 2 or 3 days for 2 weeks, I can't just not teach that whole time, but I don't want to exhaust them. #2pencilchat
Q4
During heavy testing weeks, what do you do with the rest of your time? Are you "business as
usual," are you one of the all afternoon recess teachers? Most of us, I'm sure, are somewhere in the middle. Where are you on this spectrum?
#2PencilChat
A4 After testing, we celebrate everyone's great effort with extra recess time and fun learning activities and games. We also spend time reading favorite books - just for fun! No questions or open responses-just reading! #2pencilchat
A4. I do NOT miss these times. I don't have them where I am. But, when I was at the elem. School, I did an extended recess, but went back into something very close to my normal routine. I made sure the activities were more relaxed & fun. Coloring might be involved. #2PencilChat
Mint helps you breathe clearly > more oxygen to your brain. Chocolate has caffeine, a stimulant... I think it's real, but it's more effective if you circle the placebo effect in with the minor results... #2PencilChat
In reply to
@jcaseydesign, @hayes_melisa, @GoNoodle
#2PencilChat A4 last year a couple of parents helped me create a Red Carpet Event. We had breakfast, swag bags, guest speakers, photos, just make them feel special before the hard part! I plan on doing this again!!
A4 For me I always did snack after and we chatted. Then we usually did some painting with music to unwind. (Great for any grade)
I then did some review for the next day with fun computer games whole group on the projector or partner games.
#2pencilchat
Q4
During heavy testing weeks, what do you do with the rest of your time? Are you "business as
usual," are you one of the all afternoon recess teachers? Most of us, I'm sure, are somewhere in the middle. Where are you on this spectrum?
#2PencilChat
A4: I try making the testing period as ‘normal’ for Ss as possible. Educators are under enough stress...we need to lift as much of that stress off of the shoulders of our students. I try to treat the experience as being part of the learning cycle. Too unrealistic? #2PencilChat
A4) Really depends on my class & how they’re feeling, MANY times we had genius hour/passion project time, other years we did PBL unit - building rollercoaster for force & motion unit, other times... we’d hang & chill w/a book #2pencilchat
A4: I try to see what my Ss need. Do they need to stay on our schedule or do they need a break? Some can’t handle too much recess, so we have to know our Ss and be prepared for whatever they need. #2PencilChat
A4. I do NOT miss these times. I don't have them where I am. But, when I was at the elem. School, I did an extended recess, but went back into something very close to my normal routine. I made sure the activities were more relaxed & fun. Coloring might be involved. #2PencilChat
They are starting to buy in to it. We have a personal data chat after each testing (3 per year) & their Ts indicate what they are going to work on and Ss understand that it is a partnership and we're all in it together. We are committed to them. #2pencilchat
A4 I use the opportunity to just chat with my ELs. They get oral practice of English while they think a am just letting them relax. We talk about the testing and what went well and what areas they think they could have done better. #2pencilchat
I hope it isn't unrealistic! During test season I always ask myself why I got into teaching. My answer is NOT that I did it to help kids do well on tests. That helps me keep it all in perspective while keeping stress to a minimum for me & my Ss #2pencilchat
Q5
You've worked all year to make sure that your students are hitting their goals, & meeting the grade level standards. You've built them up to be confident & wise during
testing. But what about YOU?
How do you take care of
yourself at this time of year?
#2PencilChat
No I think this is great! If we are stressed this kids feel it. Smart to make it normal as possible. As a young educator (1st yr)I made the opposite mistake and even had a first grader get sick during the test....oh how sad was this!
#2pencilchat
A4: I try making the testing period as ‘normal’ for Ss as possible. Educators are under enough stress...we need to lift as much of that stress off of the shoulders of our students. I try to treat the experience as being part of the learning cycle. Too unrealistic? #2PencilChat
A4. I’m all for recess but I am so busy with trying new and innovative ideas thru twitter or ones I’ve came up with;). Kids love Mystery @skype#classroomtransformations#hooks#stem so fun- Helps when the teacher is a BIG KID🤪❤️ #2PencilChat
A4) Really depends on my class & how they’re feeling, MANY times we had genius hour/passion project time, other years we did PBL unit - building rollercoaster for force & motion unit, other times... we’d hang & chill w/a book #2pencilchat
I’d like to briefly mention the testing is a word I never use. When we have assessments that require that type of thinking, I always say, “so excited to see all of the great things we’ve learned so far.” Incredible way to reduce stress. Learned culture. #2PencilChat
Q5
You've worked all year to make sure that your students are hitting their goals, & meeting the grade level standards. You've built them up to be confident & wise during
testing. But what about YOU?
How do you take care of
yourself at this time of year?
#2PencilChat
Im out. Have to go pick up my son. Great chat guys and gals!! Wishing you a good testing season. Good info here for teachers and students! @MagicPantsJones#2PencilChat
A5: Daily workouts, distance running throughout the week, prayer, family time, Twitter PLN, expressing gratitude regularly all help to keep me grounded. #2PencilChat
A5. My answer for everything....The Gym!!!! I actually started with yoga. But, honestly the gym is awesome. I wanted to do farmer carries last week because my shoulders were up by my ears. Didn't have to though. My trainer gave me an amazing upper body workout. #2PencilChat
A5: Daily workouts, distance running throughout the week, prayer, family time, Twitter PLN, expressing gratitude regularly all help to keep me grounded. #2PencilChat
A5 A pecan braid and coffee from Panera or a whoopie pie and coffee from Starbucks. 😋Really though, I use the mental free space during proctoring to make a game plan for finishing the year strong. #2PencilChat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Whether this time of year has left you feeling testy or not, I really appreciate you taking the time to talk about education with us for another week!
Join us next week as we talk
about getting kids to sit quietly at lunch!
